Senior Director of Advocacy

Job Description

Job Description

The Natural Resources Council of Maine is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Senior Director of Advocacy to provide senior leadership for NRCM’s advocacy, policy, and environmental protection work.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who brings deep experience in public interest advocacy, legislative strategy, coalition building, and organizational leadership. As a member of NRCM’s Senior Leadership Team, the Senior Director of Advocacy will help shape organization-wide strategy, guide high-impact advocacy initiatives, support philanthropy and stakeholder engagement, and represent NRCM in public-facing settings.

The ideal candidate is a clear and trusted leader who can balance vision with execution, support and mentor talented staff, navigate complex policy issues, and build strong relationships with partners, policymakers, donors, and the public.

Position Details:

• Location: Augusta, Maine – hybrid (some office, remote, and travel requirements)
• Classification: Full-time, Regular, Exempt
• Schedule: 40 hours/week; Monday – Friday
• Annual Salary: $98,000 – 130,000
• Benefits: Benefit eligible, includes 100% employer paid health insurance, dental, retirement, generous leave time, and professional development.
• Union eligible: No
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

What you will do:

• Lead NRCM’s advocacy strategy, policy priorities, issue campaigns, workplans, and program budgets.
• Manage, mentor, and support advocacy staff, including program directors and key team members.
• Provide strategic oversight for legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, litigation, enforcement, policy development, and ballot measure campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with lawmakers, agency officials, coalition partners, journalists, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Partner across Advocacy, Outreach, Communications, and Philanthropy to develop campaigns that build public support and advance NRCM’s mission.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational planning, budgeting, culture, and Board engagement.
• Support donor engagement and serve as lead staff representative for the NRCM Action Fund.

What you will bring:

• Advanced degree in public policy, law, natural resources management, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of public interest advocacy experience.
• Experience with legislative advocacy, issue campaigns, coalition building, and policy strategy.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and mentor staff with clarity, trust, and accountability.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, public speaking, writing, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to NRCM’s mission and to protecting Maine’s environment.

The formal job description will be shared with candidates selected to advance in the hiring process.

Why work for NRCM?

NRCM is a statewide environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting Maine’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them. We value collaboration, respect, and shared purpose and are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and supportive. Our staff are passionate about their work and about supporting one another.

NRCM is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.

We encourage you to apply:

Interested in this role but do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications? We encourage you to apply anyway. NRCM values a range of experiences, perspectives, and career paths, and we know that strong candidates may not meet every requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you can contribute to our mission, we would like to hear from you.

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